Alexis Restrepo, a fourth year M.D. student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, has been selected as one of 32 medical students from 19 medical schools across the country to participate in the NFL’s Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.
Beginning Aug. 7, Restrepo will complete a one-month clinical rotation with the Carolina Panthers, where she will observe and participate in the care of players and work directly with and under the supervision of the team physicians - some of whom are physicians at Atrium Health, the official health care provider of the Carolina Panthers - and the athletic trainers.
“The NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative will allow me to gain practical exposure to professional-level sports medicine, along with meaningful connections, support and mentorship in the sports medicine field,” said Restrepo, who participated in soccer, tennis and swimming while she was in high school.
“I cannot wait to learn more about what it means to be a team physician and apply the skills and knowledge I gain to my future career in orthopaedics.”
Now in its second year, the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine and, over time, help to diversify NFL club medical staff.
“I am thrilled that Alexis was selected to participate in this prestigious program and I know this experience will enhance the training she continues to receive here at Wake Forest University School of Medicine,” said Dr. Ebony Boulware, dean of the medical school and chief science officer of Advocate Health, of which the medical school is the academic core. “Alexis has a very bright future ahead of her and the knowledge she will gain from this time with the Carolina Panthers will help her immensely as she pursues her orthopedic surgery residency after graduation next year.”
During her time at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Restrepo has rotated in sports medicine during her orthopaedic surgery clerkship, has been involved in sports medicine-focused research looking at rehabilitation after bicep tendon surgery and has volunteered at local high school football games.
“Mentorship is a critical component of recruiting students into our field, so we’re thrilled to immerse more talented medical students with diverse backgrounds into the NFL clubs’ medical communities,” said Dr. Timothy McAdams, president of the NFL Physicians Society. “We’re all looking forward to watching this program continue to grow and impact more medical students in years to come.”
Media contact: Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu